Question: I have a lovely deck that I would enjoy if the chameleons did not claim it first. I have an aversion to them, so please tell me there is something that will repel them.

L.B., Dallas

Answer: We don’t have chameleons in this area but we do have geckos and anoles, both of which are harmless and beneficial at helping to control insects. If you just can’t live with them, having a cat usually will make them scarce.

Question: For years our pond was fed by a spring. Willows and cottonwoods have taken over the water’s edge, and the pond has started to go dry. How much water consumption do willows and cottonwood trees need? Is it worth cutting them down to keep water in my pond?

H.T., Van Alstyne

Answer: Removing the trees will help preserve water in the pond somewhat, but lack of rain is the primary culprit. I would probably keep the trees. Applying lava sand to the area at 100 lbs. per 1,000 square feet will help hold moisture in the soil longer than any other remedy.

Question: I’m looking for some recommendations to replace my ‘Crimson Pygmy’ barberry shrubs that have gone past their prime. The area is full north exposure, some sun (four to six hours) and white rock and black dirt. I need something that is around 2 feet tall at maturity.

T.W., Cedar Hill

Answer: Take a look at dwarf Chinese holly, germander (a sub-shrub), rosemary or sweet myrtle. If you want to stick with red plants, the dwarf Japanese barberry is probably the best choice. Just don’t over-water it. The plant is xeric.

Question: We have some acreage around our home and many of the trees have mistletoe in them. My wife insists we have the mistletoe taken out because it kills the trees. Is this necessary? If so, how often should it be done?

B.O., Frisco

Answer: Eradicated mistletoe will not readily grow back if the Sick Tree Treatment is applied to the root zone of the trees. Applying dry molasses along often will do the trick, but the entire procedure is better. The goal is to stimulate healthy biological activity in the root zone of the trees. When trees are not in stress, parasite problems are greatly reduced.

Question: Using 10 percent vinegar for weed control is not inexpensive. Typically, the cost of 10 percent is three to four times that of 5 percent. Would reducing less-expensive 5 percent vinegar by half by boiling result in 10 percent vinegar?

R.G., Carrollton

Answer: I have never tried that, but I doubt if it would save much money, and I know it wouldn’t save time. It makes sense that it would, but for sure don’t use 20 percent. It is a petroleum-based product and not a natural vinegar.

Question: This past summer I lost most of my St. Augustine lawn. I watered, but maybe chinch bugs got to it while I was away. When is the best time to seed with Bermuda? I want to make a change; I am tired of St. Augustine.

R.D., Euless

Answer: If you have at least a half day of full sun, Bermuda grass seeds can be planted this spring as soon as the air and soil temperatures warm up to about 70 degrees. Use about 2 lbs. of seed per 1,000 square feet.

Question: I have 3 acres of sandy soil. I want to know if I could use hardwood sawdust to enrich the soil.

S.H., Granbury

Answer: Yes, especially if the sawdust is well composted first. Fresh, organic fertilizer should be mixed with it to prevent nitrogen draft, when nitrogen that otherwise might be used by the plants is usurped by the process of composting. To compost the sawdust before you apply it, combine it with green leaves and dry molasses for six months to make a great fertilizer.

Question: What can I do to my garden in advance to organically prevent damage by squash bugs? They took over everything we planted last year, even my watermelons and cucumbers.

G.S., Denton

Answer: Mix pulverized bay leaves into the soil at planting time. If you don’t grow bay, plant it right away. The bay tree (Laurus nobilis) is far more cold hardy here in the Dallas area than most people realize.

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